Assisted reproductive technologies in cattle: a review

Area of Science:

• Reproductive technologies in animal science
• Agricultural biotechnology
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Bovine embryo transfer has evolved into a significant international business over three decades.
• Annual global production exceeds 500,000 bovine embryos from superovulated cows.
• Pathogen-free status is achievable for bovine embryos with intact zonae pellucidae via washing procedures, facilitating international trade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status and future prospects of bovine embryo transfer technologies.
• To highlight advancements in in vitro embryo production, embryo sexing, and cloning.
• To assess the impact and potential of these technologies in agriculture and industry.

Main Methods:

• Review of established bovine embryo transfer practices.
• Analysis of in vitro embryo production statistics (approximately 15% globally).
• Discussion of emerging technologies: polymerase chain reaction for embryo sexing and diagnostics, semen sexing, and cattle cloning via nuclear transfer.

Main Results:

• Bovine embryo transfer is a well-established international industry.
• In vitro embryo production accounts for a notable portion of global embryo production.
• Polymerase chain reaction and semen sexing technologies are poised for wider application.
• Cloning of cattle has been achieved but remains costly and inefficient, primarily used by the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusions:

• Bovine embryo transfer technology is mature and widely implemented globally.
• Emerging biotechnologies like PCR-based diagnostics and sexing offer future advancements.
• While cloning is technically feasible, its agricultural benefits are currently limited due to cost and efficiency.
• The field continues to evolve, with ongoing innovations impacting animal breeding and biotechnology.